Posts for category: Facts Versus Fiction

While no one knows exactly where it originated, the "Five Second Rule" has been a tradition for decades in many American households. You've probably done it yourself. Or know someone who has!

The rule states that when food is dropped on the floor, it is safe to eat if picked up within five seconds. But is this rule really true?

Believe it or not, a study was done at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey recently to see if this rule actually held any truth. The scientists dropped four different foods on four different surface types, allowing contact times of one second, five seconds, thirty seconds, and three hundred seconds (five minutes). Each surface was contaminated with bacteria that commonly occur in the human digestive system, and allowed to dry.

The findings?

Watermelon was the most easily contaminated tested food; gummy bears the least.

Carpet had a lower bacterial transfer rate than tile and stainless steel.

The wetter the food, the higher risk of bacterial transfer.

Although leaving food on the floor for a longer period of time resulted in more bacteria being transferred, some bacteria get on food instantly.

To put it more directly – the “Five Second Rule” is simply not true!

Since The Smile Shack is a dental office, let’s bring up another rule – the “Two Minute Rule!” Two minutes is how long you should brush your teeth, and you should do it at least twice per day. And while two minutes may seem like a long time, if you don’t spend at least one minute brushing the upper teeth and another brushing the lowers, you probably aren’t doing a very good job.

It is also important how you brush. Gently angling the brush towards the gumline helps prevent gum disease, brushing too hard can actually do damage.

We highly recommend reviewing your brushing technique with us during your next visit. A member of our team will be glad to help you make sure you get this important part of your health routine exactly right!

Whether it’s the “Five Second Rule,” the “Two Minute Rule,” or anything else important to your well-being , at The Smile Shack we are here for you! Please give us a call at 740-454-4112 with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment. Your health is our primary concern – and that’s our “rule!”

At The Smile Shack, we cannot even tell you how many times we've heard people say things like....

"I've been meaning to make an appointment but I just haven't gotten around to it."

With that in mind, here are some of the most frequent excuses people have for not visiting the dentist.

Going to the dentist is TOO expensive!

Actually, the opposite is true! While quality health care certainly can be costly, the investment in preventive dental procedures such as cleanings, exams and necessary x-rays can save thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars in more extensive treatment later. The sooner you go, the less it will cost!

Dental appointments are uncomfortable!

While a dental visit may not be as much fun as a night at the movies, it's not as difficult as it was decades ago. Modern anesthetics and dental techniques have made a trip to the dentist more pleasant than ever before. Express your concerns to your dentist and chances are she or he will have a solution. If you don't think your dental team is doing all they can for your comfort, it may be time to find one who does!

I'm not in any pain so I don't need to go!

Even if you take fantastic care of your teeth and gums, waiting until you have pain means you waited too long! Early cavities and gum disease are painless. Waiting for symptoms can lead to complicated expensive treatment and even tooth loss!

At The Smile Shack, we value the importance of regular dental examinations and preventive cleanings. Our goal is to make your dental treatment as comfortable and cost-efficient as possible, and to help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to make an appointment, please give us a call at 740-454-4112. We're here for you!

And if you aren't making any of these excuses, please feel free to forward this to someone who is. You'll be doing them a huge favor!!

There are many dental “facts” going around that just aren’t true, and can actually be quite harmful to your dental health. So what should you believe? At The Smile Shack, we know fact from fiction – so here are the top five dental myths busted!

Myth # 1: Use a hard bristled toothbrush to remove more plaque and food debris from your teeth.

BUSTED: While it may seem to make sense, a hard toothbrush can actually cause irreversible damage to your teeth and gums. Use a soft brush with a gentle stroke on all of your tooth surfaces, including the delicate area where your gums meet your tooth.

Myth # 2: Putting an aspirin next to your tooth will help a toothache.

BUSTED: The only thing that will do is burn and irritate your gum tissue. For a toothache, take an aspirin or other pain medication the normal way and make an appointment to see your dentist immediately! Whatever is causing the discomfort will not go away on its own and needs to be professionally diagnosed and treated.

Myth # 3: There is no need to treat baby teeth; they will fall out anyway.

BUSTED: Baby teeth are important! (See previous blog entry!) Not only do they help children chew, speak and smile, they act as spacers, making the proper room for adult teeth as the jaw grows. And just like adult teeth, if not taken care of properly they can develop cavities, cause toothaches, and lead to a lifetime of poor dental health.

Myth # 4: See your dentist twice a year.

BUSTED: That myth was created by an ad agency! While twice-yearly cleanings and exams are correct for some people, the proper interval should be determined by you and your dental professional.

Myth # 5: It is normal for your gums to bleed a little bit while brushing or flossing.

BUSTED: Healthy gums do not bleed with normal usage – it is a signal of gum disease. And – gum disease leads to tooth loss! Talk to your dentist or hygienist immediately if you notice blood with brushing or a pink toothbrush. It’s not only not normal; it’s a sign that something is amiss!